E-jeepneys
July 7, 2008My friend recently posted a link to the Philippine Daily Inquirer’s article on electric-powered jeepneys. The e-jeeps are being run in the city of Makati as an experiment for future roll-outs.
Jeepneys are essentially modified US Army Jeeps that were left behind after World War 2. These are now used primarily for public transport in and around most cities in the Philippines.
Jeepneys have very rudimentary controls and a very rugged diesel engine. Seating is likewise rough with two bench seats comprising about 3/4 of the entire length of the vehicle. The diesel engines are usually poorly maintained and so is the rest of the vehicle. Jeepneys can be seen spewing black smoke from its exhausts on the streets of Manila and other cities.
The electric jeepney is perhaps a step higher in cutting emissions that the everyday Filipino commuter will experience. One has to ask where is the electricity coming from? From coal, oil and natural-gas burning power plants that’s where its coming from. The e-jeepney, hybrid cars and electric cars can cut emissions experienced in the city. However, these solutions are short-term solutions intent on just reducing costs, what about the vehicle or the vehicle’s energy source’s carbon footprint?
From the above given link we learn that there are two types of footprint. One is the primary wherein we have a direct control (reducing usage of motorized transport, reducing electricity consumption etc.), these are more often than not related directly to consumer behavior. The second one is called secondary footprint wherein the emissions are generated for or on our behalf as we purchase goods (buying something manufactured means that the manufacturer expended energy to make that product).
The e-jeepney therefore helps to reduce the poisonous gases emitted by petroleum or diesel burning vehicle engines but might not actually help in reducing the nation’s overall problem with pollution.
There is also a recent Newsweek article ranking several nations on their performance with regard to the environment. The Philippines scores in the 70 range showing the nation covered in green on a world map. Check the article out for yourself.
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